Bath and Bethlehem link plan

A Palestinian activist who has been campaigning for peace in the Middle East has been in Bath to talk about a proposed link between the city and Bethlehem.

The Bethlehem-B&NES Links is a new project which aims to bring together businesses, the public sector, schools sport and communities in the two regions together.

Lead co-ordinator for the Bethlehem side George Rishmawi was in Bath on Tuesday and gave a talk at St John's Church Parish Hall, in South Parade. He spoke about Palestine and the work he has been doing there to bring peace to the region.

Peter Downey, who came up with the idea for the link project, said he wanted to see more people get in touch to be involved with the scheme.

He said: "We are delighted to have secured initial funding for this project, as well as the support of the Mayor of Bethlehem and the leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

"We are keen to meet businesses, schools, faith groups and sports clubs who would like to be involved in this exciting project."

Mr Downey also took the opportunity to present council leader Councillor Paul Crossley with a wooden cross, which he had brought over from Palestine.

A sports festival, which will include basketball, netball, football and athletics, is due to take place next October as part of the Bethlehem-B&NES Links.